Road trips can make or break you, especially when children are involved. Long hours on the road, the kids in the backseat asking, “Are we there yet?”, the husband refusing to refer to a map because he demands that he knows where he’s going…However, a road trip can be some of the best memories you make with your family. It is also excellent bonding time, and, you have the opportunity to explore the country in a more intimate way. With the summer approaching, and a road trip on the horizon, we have compiled a list of survival tips to make your road trip as smooth as possible.
Here they are:
Check your vehicle:
- There is nothing worse than being stranded on the side of the road, in the hot sun, with a crying baby. By taking appropriate precautions, you can hopefully avoid it, but there are those times you just cannot evade a flat tire. With that said…
- Check the tires (spare too)
- Fill your car up with ga
- Make sure an oil change is not needed
- Check the fluids
- If the AC is not cooling like it should, get it serviced. Be sure all car seats are properly installed.
- Also remember that all insurance, car registration and inspection are current.
Map out your road trip:
- You cannot always plan potty breaks, but you can plan pit stops to a cool restaurant, an amusement park, a museum, etc. This is your chance to take advantage of what the country side offers you. Plus it breaks up the monotony of the drive. A restaurant with a play scape or designated area for your child to run around might be a good choice as well.
- Know where the gas stations are in case you will be driving on a long stretch. Nothing worse than running out of gas…
Be prepared:
- Make sure you have cash on you
- Charge the electronics for the kids
- Pack the car chargers if you have them,
- Stock up the diaper bag, pack snacks and drinks
- Pack a pillow and blanket for the kids
- Have activities for the kids to do in the car like reading books coloring books, etc, pack head phones
- Have a first-aid kit to include motion sickness pills
- Pack wipes, a travel potty if your child is potty training, etc.
Enjoy your road trip, make the best of it, be safe, and have fun!
